Pipe support apparatus

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for supporting a pipe including a base member having a pipe encircling support attached thereto. In one embodiment, an elongate flexible strap having opposed first and second ends is secured to the base member. The strap has ratchet teeth formed along one side thereof and latching mechanism on the strap adjacent one end through which the other end and a portion of the strap may move longitudinally. The latching mechanism includes a pawl yieldably biased toward the path of the strap to engage the ratchet teeth permitting movement of the strap in one direction and inhibiting movement in the opposite direction. The apparatus may include a supplementary connector adapted to be secured to a support structure, the supplementary connector having an opening formed therein adapted to receive and hold the base member therein.

This is a continuation-in-part of prior application U.S. Ser. No.10/195,091 filed Jul. 11, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,685,144, which was acontinuation-in-part of prior application U.S. Ser. No. 09/840,729 filedApr. 23, 2001 now abandoned, both entitled Pipe Support Apparatus.Applicant claims the benefit of the earlier filing dates of the priorapplications and the entire disclosures thereof are incorporated hereinby reference.

FIELD

This invention relates to apparatus for supporting a pipe.

BACKGROUND

In the construction trade it often is necessary to provide convenientand effective supports for pipes. For example, in residentialconstruction, lengths of pipe will be extended in runs that need supportby adjacent joists, beams, columns, or walls.

Various types of supports have been devised in the past, but none havebeen fully satisfactory, in that they seldom have been adapted tooperate conveniently with a variety of materials which would be on-sitein such a project. As one example, when a plumber is installing pipe ina residential situation, often the pipe being installed is ABS or PVCpipe and there are sufficient quantities of such pipe available for useas supports for other pipes.

In the past, various hangers have been used where the worker has had tofind a scrap piece of material, such as a length of board, to be nailedbetween joists to provide a horizontal support, or to nail in a positiondepending downwardly for a vertical support and then attach some form ofconnector thereto. In other instances, devices have been devised whichare not only complex, but also are expensive and inconvenient tomanufacture and use, due to the higher number of component parts.

Recent hangers have reduced the number of component parts. These hangersmay involve a fixed strap at the end of an elongate structure, whichstructure is nailed in place. Although these hangers overcome some ofthe complexity issues present in previous hangers, these hangers aredifficult to use and do not accommodate a variety of job-siteconditions. These hangers use straps that are attached at their ends byadjacent latching mechanisms. This configuration makes adjustmentdifficult and limits their use. Difficulties arise in situations wherethe only available support is an overhead flat surface, such as aceiling or wide joist or in other situations where there is little spacebetween the adjustment and the support. In order to adjust the length ofthe strap, a worker must fit his hand into the tight space to adjust thestrap. Thus, the configuration of these hangers can make them difficultto adjust or release. Additionally, these hangers are not well suited toutilizing other pipes as support, as is often practical or necessary inconstruction projects.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure is to provide apparatus for quickly,securely, and releasably mounting pipes allowing a maximum of mountingpossibilities while utilizing a minimum number of part types.

A further aspect of the disclosure is to provide apparatus that isconveniently adjusted, even in tight spaces, while allowing for supportof a wide variety of pipes.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide support apparatus forpipe which may be used in conjunction with sections of pipe available atthe work site for connecting to a variety of support structures.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure is to provide apparatus forutilizing readily available and easily manufacturable parts.

Still another aspect of the disclosure is to provide apparatus forsupporting a pipe which includes a base member coupled to an elongateflexible strap having opposed first and second ends with ratchet teethformed along one side of the strap and being secured to the base member.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide a latching mechanism onthe strap adjacent the first end through which the second end and aportion of the strap may move longitudinally along a path.

Yet another aspect is to provide a latching mechanism on the strap whichis releasable.

A further aspect of the disclosure is to provide, in such an apparatus,a latching mechanism that includes a pawl adjacent one side of the pathyieldably biased toward the path to engage ratchet teeth on the strap topermit movement of the strap in one direction along the path and toinhibit movement in a direction opposite the one direction and a bearingmember at the opposite side of the path to support a side of the strapopposite said one side against movement away from the pawl when the pawlengages the strap to hold the strap in a selected position.

A still further aspect of the disclosure is to provide, in suchapparatus, a strap secured to the base member in a region intermediatesaid first and second ends of the strap.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide, in such apparatus, abase member that has opposed side margins that diverge from each otheras they progress away from the strap.

Still another aspect of the disclosure is to provide, in such apparatusa supplementary connector adapted to be secured to a stationary object,the supplementary connector having an opening formed therein having across-sectional configuration complementary to the configuration of thebase member to receive and hold the base member therein.

A still further aspect of the disclosure is to provide in such novelapparatus a brace or stabilizer element to maintain selected orientationwhen supporting a pipe.

Yet another aspect is to provide a support member having variableconfigurations to adapt to selected pipe support needs.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of apparatus according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure in operation supporting a section of pipe;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally along theline 2—2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of elements illustrated in FIGS.1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of thedisclosure;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of an element of the apparatusillustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a pipe support according to anapplication of the disclosure showing the pipe support in positionaround a supported pipe (shown dashed) in a first orientation relativeto supporting structure;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view similar to FIG. 7, except showingthe pipe support in a second orientation relative to supportingstructure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the pipe support of FIG. 7 where one endof the strap has been disengaged from a latching mechanism positioned atan opposite end of the strap;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the pipe support of FIG. 7 showing thepipe support in a third orientation relative to a supporting structure;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the pipe support of FIG. 7 according toan alternative application;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a lower portion of theapparatus of FIG. 11 taken along the line 12—12 FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the pipe support of anotheralternative application;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view showing a pipe supported by two pipesupports of different configurations that are attached to a supportingstructure;

FIG. 15 is perspective view of yet another application.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a strap with astep-style stabilizer, or support, element thereon;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a portion of the strap of FIG. 16

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of one end of another embodiment of asupplementary support member with portions broken away;

FIG. 19 is an opposite side perspective view of the supplementarysupport member shown in FIG. 18 with a projecting element broken awayand shown in dashed line;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of apparatus according to an embodiment ofthe invention in which a horizontally disposed section of pipe is usedto support the strap arrangement;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 21—21 in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the system showing a verticallydisposed section of pipe used to support a pipe strap;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged side elevation view of the lower end portion ofthe system of FIG. 22 supporting a pipe; and

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a pipe strap similar to thatillustrated in FIG. 16 secured to a side of a vertical support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first FIG. 1, at 10 is indicated a section of a pipe, such asmight be installed in an elongate run in a construction project. In thissituation, it is illustrated suspended, or supported, adjacent a pair oflaterally spaced floor joists 12, 14.

Pipe 10, as often used in residential and other construction, may be ABSor PVC plastic piping, and as such, quantities of such materialsgenerally are readily available on the jobsite. In this instance, asecond section of pipe 18, which may be such ABS or PVC plastic pipe, isshown cut to appropriate length to fit between joists 12, 14 and issecured thereto by nails or screws 20. Horizontally disposed pipesection 18, extending between joists 12, 14, thus provides a portion ofa support system for pipe 10.

Apparatus for supporting pipe 10 on pipe section 18 is indicatedgenerally at 24. This apparatus possibly is best illustrated in FIG. 3.The apparatus includes a central member 26 and a pair of holding clamps28, 30. Member 26 and holding clamps 28, 30 may be made of ABS or PVCplastic, or any other materials which will provide the operationalcharacteristics discussed below.

Referring first to central member 26, it includes a first grippingportion 32, having a pair of opposed, arcuate, flexible gripping arms 32a, 32 b forming an arc of a circle greater than a semi-circle. Anopening 32 c is provided between the outer set of ends of the grippingarms. A plurality of holes 32 d extend through arms 32 a, 32 b.

Referring still to FIG. 3, pipe 10 has a diameter indicated generally at36. The central axis for pipe 10 is indicated generally at 38.

The inner diameter 40 of the arc formed by gripping arms 32 a, 32 b inthe illustrated embodiment is no greater than diameter 36 of the pipe.Further, a central axis for the arc of the gripping arms is indicatedgenerally at 42. The width of opening 32 c is less than diameter 36 ofpipe 10.

A second gripping portion 46 is secured, or coupled, to gripping portion32 through a juncture section 48. This second gripping portion 46includes a second pair of arcuate flexible gripping arms 46 a, 46 b,which are spaced from and are directed away from the first opening 32 c.The outer ends of gripping arms 46 a, 46 b have an opening 46 ctherebetween which is spaced from and faces in a diametrically oppositedirection from opening 32 c. A plurality of holes 46 d extend througharms 46 a, 46 b.

Referring still to FIG. 3, pipe section 18 has a diameter indicatedgenerally at 52 and a central axis indicated generally at 54.

Arcuate flexible gripping arms 46 a, 46 b also are formed in an arc of acircle greater than a semi-circle having a diameter 56 which, in theillustrated embodiment, is no greater than diameter 52. A central axisfor the arc of gripping arms 46 a, 46 b is indicated at 58. Opening 46 cis smaller than diameter 52 of pipe section 18.

Completing the apparatus for supporting the pipes are a pair of holdingclamps 28, 30, as previously noted. Clamp 28 is formed of flexiblematerial in an arc of a circle greater than a semi-circle, with adiameter 60 and a central axis 62. Holding clamp 28 is formed to providewhat may be considered a pair of opposed laterally spaced flexibleholding arms 28 a, 28 b having an opening 28 c between an outer set oftheir ends. Opening 28 c is smaller than diameter 40 of gripping portion32 and smaller than diameter 36 of pipe 10.

Referring still to FIG. 3, clamp 30 is formed of flexible material in anarc of a circle greater than a semi-circle, with a diameter 64 and acentral axis 66. Holding clamp 30 is formed to provide what may beconsidered a pair of opposed, laterally spaced, flexible holding arms 30a, 30 b having an opening 30 c between an outer set of their ends.Opening 30 c is smaller than diameter 56 of gripping portion 46 andsmaller than diameter 52 of pipe 12.

Explaining operation of the apparatus thus described, a worker, havingsupplies of ABS, PVC, or other appropriate plastic pipe available, caneasily attach a support, such as pipe section 18, to an appropriatesection of the structure to which a pipe 10 is to be mounted. In theillustrated example, pipe section 18 is easily cut to appropriate lengthand secured between joists 12, 14 by nails or screws 20. After supportpipe section 18 is in place, central member 26 is attached to pipe 18.

A quantity of appropriate adhesive capable of joining arms 46 a, 46 b topipe section 18 is applied, as by brushing, to the inner surfaces ofarms 46 a, 46 b. Upper gripping portion 46 then is pressed upwardlyagainst the underside of pipe 18 such that pipe 18 enters throughopening 46 c between gripping portions, or arms, 46 a, 46 b. As thecentral member 26 is pressed upwardly, gripping arms, or portions, 46 a,46 b flex outwardly to allow pipe 18 to enter the space therebetween.Once the pipe is fully within the space between gripping arms 46 a, 46b, they spring back into position as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,gripping the pipe and extending about a major portion of itscircumference. As arms 46 a, 46 b grip pipe section 18 some of theadhesive seeps out through holes 46 d to the outside of gripping portion46.

After this occurs, holding clamp 30 is pressed down over the top of pipe18 and about the outsides of gripping arms 46 a, 46 b. Opening 30 c andthe flexibility of arms 30 a, 30 b allow holding clamp 30 to be pressedover the outside of gripping portion 46 and bear thereagainst asillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Arms 30 a, 30 b flex outwardly away formeach other to allow pipe 18 and gripping arms 46 a, 46 b to be insertedand then spring back. When in position, the holding clamp 30 extendsabout a major portion of the circumference of pipe 18 and pressestightly against gripping portions, or arms, 46 a, 46 b to hold themtightly in place on pipe 18. Adhesive which has flowed out through holes46 d serves to adhere holding clamp 30 on gripping portion 46 and thepressing force applied by arms 30 a, 30 b press arms 46 a, 46 b tightlyagainst pipe section 18 to assist in holding and adhering.

A quantity of appropriate adhesive then is applied to the inner sides ofarms 32 a, 32 b, as by brushing. Pipe 10 then is pressed upwardlythrough the opening 32 c in gripping portion 32, with gripping arms 32a, 32 b flexing outwardly and away from each other to receive pipe 10therebetween. The pipe then is received fully within gripping portion 32as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, with arms 32 a, 32 b extending about amajor portion of the circumference of pipe 10. As arms 32 a, 32 b grippipe 10 some of the adhesive flows out through holes 32 d to the outsideof arms 32 a, 32 b.

Finally, holding clamp 28 is pressed upwardly with pipe 10 and grippingportion 32 being received through opening 28 c in holding clamp 28. Arms28 a, 28 b flex outwardly and away from each other to allow pipe 10 andgripping portion 32 to be inserted and then spring back. Holding clamp28 is pressed fully onto the outer portion of arms 32 a, 32 b asillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 to tightly squeeze, or press, arms 32 a, 32b against the sides of pipe 10, with holding clamp 28 extending about amajor portion of the circumference of pipe 10. Adhesive which has beenflowed out through holes 32 d serves to adhere holding clamp 28 ongripping portion 32 and the pressing force applied by arms 28 a, 28 bpresses arms 32 a, 32 b tightly against pipe 10 to assist in holding andadhering.

As is seen, opening 28 c in holding clamp 28 is positioned diametricallyopposite opening 32 c in gripping portion 32 and holding clamp 28covers, or closes, opening 32 c when in place. Similarly, opening 30 cin holding clamp 30 is substantially diametrically opposed to opening 46c in gripping portion 46 and, when holding clamp 30 is in place itcovers, or closes, opening 46 c.

Although the assembly has been described herein with adhesive beingapplied between the gripping portions and their associated pipesections, it should be recognized that the parts may be assembledwithout adhesive. With such non-adhesive assembly, the parts will stillbe held relatively securely in position by the combined action of thegripping arms and holding arms, but such may then be disassembled shouldsuch be desired.

A secure and easily installed support for a pipe thus is obtained.

When assembled, the gripping arms and holding arms extending about apipe are directed in substantially diametrically opposite directions.Further, as best illustrated in FIG. 3, the central axes 42, 58 ofgripping portions 32, 46, respectively, are disposed at a substantialangle relative to each other, and in this instance at 90 degrees to eachother. Further, it will be seen that these axes 42, 58 occupysubstantially parallel, spaced-apart planes. Although the axes of thegripping portions are shown as disposed at substantially 90 degrees toeach other, it should be understood that they could be disposed at anyangle relative to each other, including parallel.

Referring to FIG. 4, another embodiment is illustrated. Here, a joist 14has a pipe section 70 secured thereto by a nail, or screw, 72, with pipesection 70 in a substantially vertical, depending orientation. Securedto the lower end of pipe section 20 is a support apparatus, indicatedgenerally at 74.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, support apparatus 74 has an upwardlydirected cylindrical socket, or receiver, 76 with an internal diameter78 corresponding to the outer diameter of pipe 70. Socket 76 receivesthe lower end of pipe section 70 and may be secured thereto by theapplication of an adhesive therebetween. Holes 79 through the side ofsocket 76 permit use of screws or other fasteners to provide addedcoupling between support apparatus 74 and pipe section 70 if desired.

Secured to and depending from socket 76 are a pair of opposed arcuateflexible gripping arms 80 a, 80 b. These are similar to arms 32 a, 32 band have an opening 80 c therebetween similar to opening 32 c. Pipe 10is illustrated in FIG. 4 ready to be inserted into the space betweenarms 80 a, 80 b through opening 80 c. Arms 80 a, 80 b have holes 80 dtherethrough adapted to serve the same purpose as set out for holes 32d, 46 d in the previously described embodiment.

A holding clamp 82, similar to holding clamp 28, previously described,is illustrated in position to be applied about gripping arms 80 a, 80 band pipe 10 in the same manner as indicated for the installation in theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1–3.

Another hole 80 e extends from the inner side of the gripping portionprovided by arms 80 a, 80 b and into the center of socket, or receiver,76. Hole 80 e permits the support member bearing arms 80 a, 80 b to besecured to an adjacent support structure by extending a nail or screwtherethrough and extending outwardly from the top of socket 76. Forexample, the upper rim of socket 76 could be placed flush against oneside of a joist such as that indicated at 14 with arms 80 a, 80 bextending perpendicularly therefrom. A screw or nail then could bedriven through hole 80 e into the joist to hold the pipe supportthereagainst. Similarly, it could be screwed or nailed to a horizontalsurface.

A dashed outline 81 indicates a section at which a cut could be made toseparate socket 76 from arms 80 a, 80 b. With socket 76 thus removed anail or screw may be driven through hole 80 e which remains to mountarms 80 a, 80 b more closely against a supporting surface such as ajoist or floor. Further, the separated sockets 76 when separated fromarms 80 a, 80 b along cut line 81 may be inverted from the positionillustrated in FIG. 5 and a nail or screw driven upwardly therethroughinto a horizontally disposed overlying support surface. In thisorientation the socket faces downwardly to receive the upper end of apipe, such as pipe 70, which may be secured therein by adhesive orscrews extending through holes 79.

A third application of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 6. Here, asupport pipe section 84 is indicated in dashed outline and a pipesimilar to pipe 10, but positioned to be supported above support pipesection 84, is indicated also in dashed outline.

Here, support apparatus 88 includes a primary portion 90, substantiallysimilar that previously described for central member 26. Here theopposed gripping arms have spaced-apart holes 92, 94 extendingtherethrough, through which a fastener, such as screw 96, may extend. Aholding clamp 100, similar to holding clamp 30, is included also.

As illustrated in FIG. 6 it may be necessary in some installations toplace a support pipe section 84 closely adjacent a floor, and thus aholding clamp cannot conveniently be placed over the gripping arms ofthe lower portion thereof. In such instance, the support pipe section84, which does not carry fluids therethrough, may be secured in placeand the lower gripping arms of member 90 pressed downwardly thereover.When properly positioned, a screw 96 is directed through one of holes 94and screwed into pipe section 84 to hold the apparatus in position. Itthen is a simple matter to mount pipe 10 in the upper portion withoverlying holding clamp 100 to complete the assembly as previouslydescribed.

Referring to FIGS. 7–15 further embodiments are disclosed.

As is described below, a worker is able to attach the apparatus,referred to herein as a pipe support, to a variety of supportingstructures by itself or with associated mating members for the purposeof supporting a pipe or other object. The associated mating membersinclude one or more supplementary connectors and lengths of pipe used toextend the length of the pipe support. Examples of supporting structuresinclude a support pipe running parallel to a pipe to be supported asillustrated in FIG. 7, a support pipe running transversely to a pipe tobe supported as illustrated in FIG. 8, and a flat overhead support asshown in FIGS. 10, 13–15, and to the side of a joist as in FIG. 11.

In one application of the disclosure as shown in FIG. 7, the pipesupport 110 may be attached to a supporting structure having a convexouter surface, e.g., a pipe 112, such that the supported pipe 114 (shownin dashed lines) is approximately parallel to the pipe 112. As is seenpipe 112 is cut to length to fit between a pair of joists 113 a, 113 band is secured thereto adjacent its opposite ends by screws or nails128.

The pipe support 110 includes a flexible strap 122 with ends that can beoverlapped to form a closed ring 125 and a base member 116 to which thestrap 122 is coupled for attaching the pipe support 110 to supportingstructure. The components may be made of plastic or other appropriatematerials. The base member 116 may be coupled to the strap in themolding process or by appropriate adhesive or plastic welding. A hole130 extending through the strap 122 and base member 116 is adapted toreceive a fastener, such as screw 128, therethrough. The screw 128 mayserve to attach the pipe support to supporting structure as shown inFIG. 7. In some applications, nails or other fasteners may be usedinstead of screws.

Referring to FIG. 9, strap 122 is formed of a flexible material, such asa plastic, and has a first end 122 a, a second end 122 b and a body 122c between the ends 122 a, 122 b. In the illustrated strap 122, alatching mechanism 124 is formed, or secured, at the second end 122 b.It also will be noted that strap 122 has an inner surface, or face 122 dand an opposite outer surface, or face 122 e. The base member 116 andlatch mechanism 124 extend, or project, outwardly from the outer surface122 e. As shown in FIG. 7, the inner surface 122 d is directed inwardlytoward a pipe 114 to be supported thereby. The first end 122 a can bepassed through the latching mechanism 124 and engaged at a selectedlocation, with the first end 122 a overlapping the second end 122 b,thereby forming the closed ring 125 that secures the pipe 114. Furtherdetails regarding the construction of the strap 122 and the latchmechanism 124 are described below.

The base member 116 may be formed of a semi-rigid material such as ABS,PVC or other similar plastic, and has a surface 118 that faces the strap122 and an opposing surface 120 (see FIG. 9). The base member 116 hasopposed sides 142 a, 142 b which diverge in a dove-tail configuration onprogressing outwardly from strap 122. Hole 130 is adapted to receive thescrew 128 (or other fastener), which is then inserted into a hole 132 inthe supporting pipe 112 to attach the pipe support 110.

As shown in FIG. 7, the supporting pipe 112 extends in a directionapproximately perpendicular to the closed ring 125. As can be seen inFIG. 8, the pipe support 110 is also capable of supporting the pipe 114when positioned transversely to a convex support such as the pipe 112.

In FIG. 8, the closed ring 125 of the pipe support 110 is approximatelyparallel to the support pipe 112 as shown. Of course, the pipe support110 can be configured such that the pipe 114 is held relative to aconvex supporting surface at angles other than about 0° (FIG. 7) andabout 90° (FIG. 8).

As shown in FIG. 10, the pipe support 110 may be also be mounted to asubstantially flat surface 135 by use of a screw 128.

As best illustrated in FIG. 9, the base member 116 is formed withfeatures to facilitate mounting. The base member 116 has four concavesections 134 a, 134 b, 136 a, 136 b. Concave sections 134 a, 134 b arealigned along the length of the base member 116 while concave sections136 a, 136 b are aligned transversely relative to concave sections 134a, 134 b. Explaining further the axis of the concave configurations ofsections 136 a, 136 b, substantially parallel a plane occupied by strap122, while the axis of sections 134 a, 134 b extends substantiallynormal, or perpendicular, to the plane occupied by the strap 122. Theseconcave sections 134 a, 134 b, 136 a, 136 b facilitate mounting the pipesupport 110 to a supporting structure with a convex outer surface, suchas the pipe 112, also referred to as a supplementary support, as seen inFIGS. 7 and 8. The flat portions 138 on surface 120 of the base member114 allow the pipe support 110 to be mounted directly to otherstructures, such as a flat overhead support (see FIGS. 10 and 14, rightside). Thus, the base member 16 provides for at least three differentmounting configurations: mounting to a pipe running approximatelyparallel, mounting to a pipe running transversely, and mounting to aflat surface.

Other applications of the disclosure make use of a supplementaryconnector 152. As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, a pipe supportassembly 150 includes the base member 116 that is adapted to be coupledto a supplementary connector 152. The supplementary connector 152 ismade of a similarly rigid material as the base member. The supplementaryconnector 152 is further adapted to be connected to a support, e.g., apiece of pipe 158, such as ABS, PVC, or other appropriate plastic pipe.Other examples of supports include flat overhead supports. In theillustrated application, base member 116 includes surface 118 nearestthe strap 122, and diverging sides 142 a, 142 b, such that base member116 forms a tenon.

The assembly 150 is secured to a vertical support structure (such as thevertical side of a joist 159) by, e.g., two nails 160 extending throughrespective holes 162 in the piece of pipe 158. Depending pipe 158 may beof any selected length to permit proper placement of a pipe to besupported in strap 122.

Referring to FIG. 12, the base member 116 is shaped to be received in anopening 154 of the supplementary connector 152. In the illustratedapplication, the opening is a dove-tail shaped mortise 154 complementaryto the shape of base member 116. The base member 116 has diverging sides142 a, 142 b resulting in a tenon-like cross-section for engagementwithin the mortise 154. Other correspondingly-shaped configurations arepossible. Opening 154 extends transversely of connector 152 allowingbase member 116 to be slid therein, as illustrated in FIG. 15.

The supplementary connector 152 has a cavity 156 defined thereinopposite opening 154, and the cavity 156 is adapted to receive support158. In the illustrated application, the cavity 156 is cylindrical andthe support is a length of PVC or ABS pipe 158. The piece of pipe 158may be secured to the supplementary connector 152 by a threadedconnection, screws or other fasteners, adhesive, or friction. Such pipeoften is available at job sites and may easily be cut to a desiredlength.

FIG. 12 also shows details of the latching mechanism 124. Asillustrated, the latching mechanism 124 includes first opening 164.Strap 122 has ratchet teeth 168 formed along at least a portion of itsoutside surface 122 e. A portion of strap 122 may move longitudinallyalong a direction A through latching mechanism 124. The strap 122 isattached at an intermediate point 126 along its length to the basemember 116, and the latching mechanism 124 is positioned remote from thebase member 116 to allow access during installation. Latching mechanism124 includes a pawl 166 yieldably biased to engage ratchet teeth 166 onstrap 122 to permit movement of the strap in the direction A and toinhibit movement in an opposite direction. The pawl has a resilientconnecting portion 166 a which urges the pawl to the right as seen inFIG. 12. Latching mechanism 124 also includes bearing member 170 locatedopposite pawl 166 to support strap 122 from moving away from pawl 166.Thus the bearing member 170 works in combination with pawl 166 to engagethe strap 122 and hold it in a selected position. Latching mechanism 124may be configured to allow the worker to disengage the pawl 166 (i.e.pull pawl 166 to the left in FIG. 12) and push the strap 122 in theopposite direction, e.g., to release the strap from the pawl todisassemble an installation.

In yet another application illustrated in FIG. 13, the pipe supportassembly 150 provides for the use of readily available and easilysizeable pipe by using multiple supplementary connectors 152, 152 a. Thepipe support is attached to a supplementary connector 152 and to thepiece of pipe 158 as described above, and the opposite end of the pipe158 is attached to another supplementary connector 152 a. Thesupplementary connector 152 a is attached with the screw 128 through ahole 160 to an overhead support 161 prior to attaching pipe 58 thereto.The connections between the supplementary connectors 152, 152 a and thepipe 158 may be made in the same manner as described above.

Advantageously, the modularity of the pipe support and the associatedmating members allow different configurations to be used at differentlocations in the same installation. For example, as seen in FIG. 14, thepipe 114 is supported by two pipe supports 110, 150. Pipe support 110 isthe same as shown in FIG. 10, wherein the pipe 114 is supported by thestrap 122 attached to the base member 116 and secured by the latchingmechanism 124. Base member 116 is directly secured to a first overheadsupport 170. Apparatus 150 is shown in a perspective view in FIG. 15.The pipe 114 is supported by the strap 122 attached to the base member116 and secured by the latching mechanism 124 and further supported bythe supplementary connector 152. Supplementary connector 152 is secureddirectly to a second overhead support 172 that is at a differentelevation than the first overhead support 170. Thus, the supplementaryconnector 152 may be used by itself as an adapter, or spacer.

Referring to FIGS. 16–24, further embodiments are disclosed. The systemillustrated in FIGS. 16–24 includes component parts very similar tothose previously described in regard to the embodiments in FIGS. 7–15.However, in the FIG. 16-24 embodiments, certain revisions have been madeto the component parts to improve operability of the system.

The pipe support components in the FIG. 16-24 disclosure include aflexible strap 122′ with ends that can be overlapped to form a closedring and a base member 116′ to which the strap 122′ is coupled forattaching the pipe support to supporting structure. Three holes, 130 a,130 b, 130 c, are formed through base member 116′ and are adapted toreceive fasteners, such as a nail or screw 128, to secure the system toan adjacent support.

As described for previous embodiments, strap 122′ is formed of aflexible material, such as plastic, and has opposed first and secondends with an elongate body extending there between. A latching mechanism124′ is formed, or secured at the one end of strap 122′.

The latching mechanism 124′ is similar to that previously described inregard to the FIGS. 7–15 embodiments, having a pawl 166′ which isyieldably biased to engage ratchet teeth on strap 122′ to permitmovement of the strap in one direction and inhibit movement in anopposite direction. A resilient connection for pawl 166′ urges the pawlinto engagement with ratchet teeth on strap 122′ to hold it in aselected position when wrapped around a pipe. Latching mechanism 124′also is configured with an outer end of pawl 166′ extending outwardly toallow a worker to pull the pawl 166′ to the right as seen in FIG. 23, todisengage the pawl so that strap 122′ may be released to disassemble theinstallation.

A substantially rigid step-like stabilizer, or brace, member or element200 is secured to and projects outwardly from strap 122′ in the samedirection as do base member 116′ and latching mechanism 124′. Stabilizerelement 200 has a first, or lower, support portion having a firstbearing surface 200 a and a second, or higher, support portion having asecond bearing surface 200 b. The stabilizer element is secured to strap122′ for support purposes as will be described below.

Referring to FIG. 17, which includes an enlarged illustration of basemember 116′, it will be seen that base member 116′ has on its uppermost,or outermost, surfaces a number of small projections 202. The purposefor projections 202 will be discussed below.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, a supplementary connector 152′ isillustrated which is somewhat similar to supplementary connectors 152previously described, and may serve the same function in an assembledapparatus. Connector 152′ has a disc-shaped base 152 a′. At its base,the supplementary connector 152′ has a dovetail shaped mortis 154′complementary to the shape of base member 116′ to slidingly receive basemember 116′ therein. Supplementary connector 152′ also has holes 165 a,165 b, 165 c formed therethrough which align with holes 130 a, 130 b,130 c in base member 116′ when the base member is properly positioned inthe base of supplementary connector 152′.

In the broken away portions of the bottom of supplementary connector152′, as seen in FIG. 18, small depressions, or detents, 163 a, 163 bare positioned in the dovetail shaped mortis region 154′ and arepositioned to receive projections 202 to releasably hold base member116′ in selected position in dovetail mortis 154′ when the parts areassembled. The projections 202 and detents 163 a, 163 b act asinterengaging positioning elements to yieldably hold the base member inselected position.

Projecting axially from the disc-shaped base portion 152 a′ ofsupplementary connector 152′ are arcuate walls 159, 161 respectively. Asis seen, wall 159 extends in an arc of at least a semi-circle, and inthe illustrated embodiment is somewhat greater than a semi-circle havingopposed ends 159 a, 159 b. Wall section 161 is smaller than a halfcircle and rests between, and is spaced from, ends 159 a, 159 b. Whenwalls 159, 161 are in place as illustrated in solid outline in FIG. 18,they function in much the same manner as the full cylindrical walls ofpreviously described supplementary connectors 152.

However, an improvement here is that wall portion 161 may be removed, asby being broken off, as illustrated by the removed position illustratedby the dashed outline in FIG. 19. The intersection between base portion152 a′ and the lower end of wall section 161 may be scored toaccommodate removal of wall section 161. In FIG. 19 the region fromwhich wall section 161 has been removed is indicated by stippled region167. Upon removal of wall section 161, a support pipe may be slippedlaterally into the space bounded by wall section 159 to be held asillustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21 as will be described below. Ends 159 a,159 b are sufficiently widely spaced apart to allow pressing of asupport pipe laterally therein.

The pipe support provided by the members illustrated in FIGS. 16–19 maybe used in pipe support combinations and situations as describedpreviously in regard to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7–15.However, the revisions to this pipe support provide additionalimprovements in operability as will be described below and particularlyin relation to FIGS. 20–24.

First, it should be recognized that the interengaging projections 202 onthe base member 116′ and detents 163 a, 163 b in the mortis section 154′of supplementary connector 152′ permit the base member 116′ to be slidinto the mortis section 154′ and be releasably held in selectedposition, with projections 202 releasably entering detents 163 a, 163 b.When so positioned, holes 130 a, 130 b, 130 c in the base member 116′properly align with holes 165 a, 165 b, 165 c in supplementary connector152′ to receive elongate fasteners therethrough.

When the strap 122′ is wrapped around a pipe 114′ as illustrated in FIG.23, and secured thereabout, with latching mechanism 124′ and itsassociated pawl 166′ engaging ratchet teeth on the strap 122′, pipe 114′will be held therein. However, should it be desirable to release thestrap from the pipe, it is a simple matter for a user to engage theoutwardly projecting end of pawl 166, as shown in FIG. 12, and 166′ asshown in FIG. 23 and draw the pawl away from strap 122′ to allow thestrap to be released and the pipe to be removed therefrom.

Referring to FIG. 20, a pair of supplementary connectors 152′ are shownsecured to spaced apart vertically disposed members, such as studs orjoists 208, 210. This connection would be via fasteners, such as screwsor nails driven through holes 165 a, 165 b and/or 165 c. Further, itwill be seen that in both of supplementary connectors 152′ its wallsection 161 has been removed and the opening between ends 159 a, 159 bdirected upwardly. This permits opposite end portions of an elongatesection of support pipe 112′ to be dropped, or inserted laterally, intoopposed supplementary connectors 152′, with opposite end portions ofsupport pipe 112′ thus supported by wall sections 159. As previouslydescribed, the spacing between ends 159 a, 159 b is such as to allowentry of the end portions of support pipe 112′.

As best seen in FIG. 21, wall section 159 extends in an arc somewhatgreater than a half circle so that its ends 159 a, 159 b are a bit moreclosely spaced than the inner diameter of wall section 159. The innerdiameter of wall 159 is substantially equal to the outer diameter ofpipe 112′. Support pipe 112′ has an outer diameter slightly greater thanthe spacing between ends 159 a, 159 b allowing the end portion ofsupport pipe 112′ to be snap-fit into the supplementary connector andreleasably held therein. The arc of wall 159 may be in a range of 185 to210 degrees to provide the reduced width opening between ends 159 a, 159b.

Further, still referring to FIG. 20, and as shown in FIG. 8, a screw orother fastener 128 may be inserted through hole 130 b in base member116′ and screwed into support pipe 112′ to hold the assembly thereon.

An advantage of the present embodiment is that when the pipe support isthus secured to support pipe 112′, stabilizer element 200 may bearagainst the underside of support pipe 112′ to stabilize the somewhatflexible strap support 122′.

Referring to FIG. 22, the assembly shown here is somewhat similar tothat previously illustrated and described in regard to FIG. 13. A firstsupplementary connector 152A′ is secured by a fastener 128 to anoverlying structure 212. An elongate section of readily availableplastic pipe 158′ is secured within supplementary connector 152A′, as bygluing, and another supplementary connector 152′ is secured, as bygluing, to the lower end of pipe section 158′. As is seen in FIG. 22,wall sections 159, 161 of supplementary connectors 150A′ and 152′ remainintact in this assembly.

The base member 116′ attached to strap 122′ is slid into the mortisopening of supplementary connector 152′. When strap 122′ is wrapped intoa circle to support a pipe 114′ (see FIG. 23), and extended throughlatching mechanism 124′, stabilizer element 200 is properly positionedto engage the underside of supplementary connector 152′ as shown inFIGS. 22, 23. Here, the lower step support portion 200 a is illustratedengaging the underside of supplementary connector 152′ to stabilize thestrap and hold it in proper position when supporting pipe 114′.

Referring to FIG. 24, an application is illustrated for supporting suchapparatus directly on a vertical support post 214. Here, base member116′ is placed against a vertical surface of post 214 and a fastener,such as screw 128, is extended through one or all of holes 130 a, 130 b,130 c to secure the assembly thereto. The apparatus is positioned withstabilizer element 200 below base member 116, such that it can engagethe vertical side of post 214 and support the strap in the positionillustrated to inhibit sagging of the support when a pipe is heldtherein.

The step-style design of the stabilizer member adapts it for use in avariety of assemblies. For example, as shown in FIGS. 22, 23 in oneassembly the lower support portion, or bearing surface, 200 a bearsagainst the supplementary connector to stabilize the assembly. In FIGS.20, 24 the upper support portion, or bearing surface 200 b, engagesadjacent structure to provide stabilization.

In yet other applications (not shown) the system, or apparatus, may beused in a variety of combination with lengths of pipes and othercomponents disclosed as necessary to meet the needs of the situation.

From the embodiments described above, it should be apparent to a personof ordinary skill in the art that modifications will fall within thespirit and scope of the following claims. Accordingly, the scope of thefollowing claims should not be limited by the preceding disclosure.

1. Apparatus for supporting a pipe comprising, a base member, having aselected cross-sectional configuration, an elongate flexible strapsecured to said base member, said strap having ratchet teeth formedalong one side thereof, a latching mechanism through which a portion ofsaid strap may move longitudinally along a path, said latching mechanismcomprising a pawl adjacent one side of said path yieldably biased towardsaid path to engage said ratchet teeth on said strap to permit movementof said strap in one direction along said path and to inhibit movementin a second direction opposite said one direction and a bearing memberat the opposite side of said path to support a side of said strapopposite said one side against movement away from said pawl when saidpawl engages the strap to hold the strap in a selected position, and asupplementary connector adapted to be secured to a support structure,said supplementary connector having an opening formed therein having across-sectional configuration complementary to the configuration of saidbase member to receive and hold said base member, said base member andsupplementary connector having interengaging positioning elementsthereon to yieldably hold said base member and supplementary connectorin selected positions relative to each other; wherein said positioningelements comprise a projection on one of said base member orsupplementary connector and a detent for releasably receiving saidprojection on the other of said base member or supplementary connector,and wherein said base member has a hole extending therethrough, saidsupplementary connector has a hole extending therethrough, and saidholes are aligned when said base member and supplementary connector areheld in said selected positions.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid base member has opposed side margins which diverge from each otheron progressing away from said strap, said opening comprises a slot whichextends transversely of a portion of said supplementary connector, theportion of said base member comprising said diverging side portions isslidably received in said slot, and said projection and detent aredisposed in a region where said base member and supplementary connectorslidably meet.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said diverging sideportions of the base member and said slot have complementary dove-tailshaped configurations.
 4. Apparatus for supporting a pipe comprising, anelongate flexible strap adapted to be wrapped about a pipe, said straphaving an inner surface to be directed inwardly toward a pipe heldtherein and an opposed outer surface, latching mechanism operable tosecure said strap about a pipe, a base member secured to and projectingoutwardly from said outer surface of said strap, an elongate supportmember, a first supplementary connector having a support member openingformed therein and dimensioned to receive an end of said elongatedsupport member, and a second supplementary connector having a basemember opening formed therein and dimensioned to receive and hold thebase member, and a support member opening formed therein and dimensionedto receive an end of said elongated support member, wherein saidelongated support member has a selected cross sectional configuration atan end thereof, and wherein said support member opening in the secondconnector comprises a first wall section extending axially outwardlyfrom a base portion, and a second wall section extending axiallyoutwardly from said base portion, and said first and second wallsections bound said cavity to receive said elongated support member inan axial direction.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein saidsupplementary connector is adhesively secured to said support member. 6.The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said base member has an openingextending therethrough for receiving a fastener to secure said apparatusto a stationary object.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein at leastone of said first and second supplementary connectors has an openingextending therethrough for receiving a fastener to secure said apparatusto a stationary object.
 8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said secondwall is removable from said base portion to provide an opening throughwhich said support member may be inserted laterally into said cavity. 9.The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said support member is cylindrical andsaid cavity is substantially cylindrical.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9,wherein said second wall section is removable from said base portion andsaid first wall section defines a semi-circular boundary for said cavitypermitting said support member to be inserted laterally into saidcavity.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said second wall sectionis removable from said base portion and said first wall section definesan arcuate boundary for said cavity which is slightly greater than asemi-circle permitting said support member to be inserted laterally intosaid cavity and releasably held therein.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11,wherein said first wall section extends in an arc in a range from 185 to210 degrees.